Book Review: Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual History, Updated Edition

Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual History, Updated Edition by Daniel Wallace and Pablo Hidalgo is a revised edition of the original visual history (originally published in October of 2012). Naturally, additional entries have been crafted to reflect what has transpired in the Star Wars universe since 2012, with additional emphasis on The Force Awakens, Star Wars Rebels, etc. Approximately 60 pages have been added since the original, and like its predecessor, is an absolute Star Wars fan’s dream come true.

DK Publishing continues to provide essential and innovative resource books that don’t read like a dry text book . They know that to be a Star Wars fan means to be a pop culture and cinematic connoisseur, and Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual History, Updated Editionprovides ample examples of what makes this beloved universe tick. The book layout has moments from the history and culture of Star Wars ever since the beginning, and is a sort of time capsule to what was going on in the world while Star Wars was crafting its mythology, both on screen, as well as in history, culture, collectibles, and fandom.

The entire tome (and it is a tome:10.4 x 1.5 x 12.5 inches in dimension and weighing almost six pounds) is essentially a version of This is Your Life for your Star Wars fans. It contains sections for information on the fictional universe and interweaves behind the scenes, for toys, books, games, and things going on in the real world that aren’t necessarily Star Wars related, but provide context for the material provided chronologically. You will be hard pressed to experience this book without smiling and feeling nostalgic.

There are so many memorable images, anecdotes, and insights in Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual History, Updated Edition. I would normally say it’s an absolute thrill to read, but it would be more accurate to say it’s a true experience. The book’s use of both language and images combine to craft a memorable Star Wars book that is just as much a collectible as it is a great read. While it’s true that Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual History, Updated Edition won’t make you a member of the Lucasfilm Story Group, it will most certainly add to the foundation of your knowledge, and continue to fuel that passion that is Star Wars fandom.